It is not the measure of how much money we are giving, but the measure of how much of our heart is in it. Jesus doesn't want our money He wants our heart. When He has our heart, He has our all, and we have His all.
“All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Jesus
Anything that I give, has first been given to me. To truly understand this dynamic, frees us from the fear of wondering if we can afford to be generous.
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.” Prov.19.17 Conversations Within ts 5/20/2024
How would you live life if money was no object? I am pretty sure I would be tempted to change my travel habits--you know, like popping over to Paris for lunch. But when I really think about it, having limited resources does not have to restrict my generosity so much as to make me take a hard look at my priorities.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” Conversations Within ts 5/19/2024
My wife loves to give. It is certainly the language of every thing she says and does. I walk through a store looking for what I want to buy for myself. She walks through the store thinking about what she can buy for others. I am learning from her example, and joy not just to give, but to be generous in doing so.
“God loves a cheerful giver.” 2Cor.9.7 Conversations Within ts 5/
The best way that we can show our gratitude to those who have bought our freedom with sacrifice, is to use our freedom to promote goodness. This is the reason why God created freedom in the first place. The freedom I enjoy today exists because someone freely laid down their life to secure it.
“You were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Gal.5.13 Conversations Within ts 5/25/2024
Wholehearted living is something I aspire to. To me it is very much a part of living a full life. And, since God placed us in the same sandbox with others, every wholehearted thing I do, should be for all of my playmates.
“Do unto others as you would have
A person can find inner peace simply practicing mindfulness, embracing the now, living in the moment. God invites us to approach life this way, but there is so much more that He offers us. As spiritual beings made in His image we are designed for God’s glory. If we miss this, we ultimately miss life itself.
“You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is stayed on you, because he trust in you.” Is.
It is wise to keep our focus, and channel our energy, on matters that we can actually do something about.
“Do not worry about tomorrow…” Jesus
A decision to change something about yourself should not come because others will recognize it, but because you believe in it. Make all good changes because they are good, not to impress others, but to improve yourself.
“And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward
I can choose my response to people and circumstances. This means that I am solely responsible for my treatment of others.
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with
I realize that to be a peacemaker, I must often be willing to suffer abuse. We can refuse to retaliate or defend ourselves. We can place another’s well being above our own. Care more about the person than the issues that divide. The world is in desperate need of peacemakers. Jesus says
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.“ Jesus Conversations Within ts 5/11/2024
Sometimes we decide something, and it is decided, like buying a bike. Other times we decide something, and we have to keep deciding it. Such is the case with overcoming many addictions. A recurring temptation simply requires a recurring decision to say no to it. Make the decision for as long as it takes.
“Take up your cross and follow
God inhabits the praises of His people. Is it any wonder that He wants us to ask for His blessings? He encourages us to ask and to ask boldly. It is God’s expressed will that we do so. Our asking expresses and meets a greater need in us than what we are asking for.
“Ask and it will be given to you.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 5/10/
I have come to the realization that a good many concerns that I deal with are just potential somethings. For example, we are taking a road trip soon, and I was trying to figure out what we will do if we break down. I read one person's testimony that when he broke down some good ole boys towed him to their farm, fed him dinner and fixed his van. Whatever is potential is still under the watchful eye and provision of God.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the
A good bit of the time, if not most of the time, we know what to do. What’s lacking is simply doing it. End the cycle of knowing but not doing.
“If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 5/7/2024
Every single day we have a choice to be a kind, supportive, and loving friend to those around us. I can think of no good reason not to be. Be the definition of a true friend to those who know you. If you excel at anything, excel in this.
“I have called you friends…” Jesus Conversations Within ts 5/7/2024
I love to walk. God has never once failed to show up when I go for a walk. I am amazed that He would make time for me, and listen to my prayerful ramblings. I feel so alive when I am walking with Someone so alive. I asked someone the other day what centered their life. They answered, “A good night’s sleep.” I would answer, “Going for a walk.”
“And Enock walked with God.” Gen.5 Conversations Within ts 5/6/2024
The choice is ours, until it is not. Some choices enslave, some set us free.
“Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Deut.30.19 Conversations Within ts 5/6/2024
There are times when being unhappy is good and proper. But on the whole, unhappiness is not what God intends for us. When we find ourselves unhappy it may be a tap on the shoulder to ask ourselves why, and then attend to it. Do you know what centers your life?
“Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be
Moments of unhappiness, if we respond to them wisely, can contribute to our overall happiness. When they come we should remind ourselves of this. In this place and in this time we should not expect to be happy all the time. Nevertheless, we can learn so many good things on a bad day.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/31/
I remember exactly where I was the first time I realized that I had started playing the back nine. And, even though it seems like a long time ago, I have lived some wonderful days since. I know the 18th hole is coming, but it only makes my days richer somehow. I appreciate today so much more than I did at the beginning of life.
“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn That shines brighter and brighter until the full
It is intrinsic to our nature to want happiness. People try many things to find it. It makes sense to me, that if God designed and created my life, then He would be the best person to talk to about our desires to be happy. People will tell you that they have found happiness without Him. I do not question it. The question is, is it a sustainable kind of happiness?
“Apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/30/2024
Sailing the world may be someone’s dream life, but having lived for years on the water we can assure you it’s just a boat. Life is lived from within, not in material possessions or circumstances. No matter where you lay your head, adventure is an attitude that transforms wherever you are into an experience of freedom and joy. Whenever we find ourselves not happy, the light of Jesus can teach us to value those things that have real and lasting value.
“I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/29/2024
Jesus assures us in many ways that every personal tragedy is not only known to God, but He attends to it with grace. This may not always be evident to us, but Jesus promises us it is there. This is where faith comes into play. Be assured it is a well placed faith.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 4/25/2024
I look back at my reflections over the years and realize that if I just lived out what I have written, I would be a better person. Alas, wisdom is doing, and I still fall short.
“Little children, let us not love in word and talk but in deed and truth.” 1Jo.
There are so many benefits when we choose to align ourselves with God’s word. The only counsel He offers is good counsel. The hardest part is letting go of our delusions and desires that somehow convince us that we know how to do it better.
“Butter and honey shall he eat, when he knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good.” Is.7.15 Conversations Within ts 4/21/
